kamikazefaase wrote on Jul 24, 2007 3:34 AM:
" To 5:20am July 17th poster: Dental insurance costs on average 5 cents to every dollar of health insurance. Dental insurance is really quite cheap. The problem is the demand on health providers is much more than dental. Dentists make a good living, but not more than doctors do, and seldom get sued for malpractice. Their costs are lower in this category, but higher when it comes to having private practice expenses like office relate ones. They pay for their own staff, equipment, supplies and space to operate from where most doctors don't. But they depend on their services and repeat customers like any business does. And 40 cents on the dollar doesn't even come close to their costs of service, nor does 70 cents. Asking dentists to do charity is like pulling teeth. We didn't forgive their loans, so stop whining. "
kamikazefaase wrote on Jul 24, 2007 3:07 AM:
" Hey Grampa: I don't smoke or chew tobacco, do drugs, or drink alcohol and I still don't have any money for education. Worked hard, played by the rules, and still got shafted. This proves there is an exception to every rule, including yours. "
kamikazefaase wrote on Jul 23, 2007 4:51 PM:
" To all those who think that education is the answer: Try doing that while you're looking for work to pay for everyday expenses. First, you don't continue to draw unemployment compensation. So where is the money going to come from? Second whether you rent or make house payments, new home owners lack equity in their houses as do renters not having any. Getting financial aid is nearly impossible when you own the house even though the mortgage exceeds the value of the house. Financial aid fails to take mortgage payments into account. A complete financial report would be more accurate in gaging whether or not a student loan would be available for those who are out of work and need new job skills. "
leave no dental(hygenist) behind wrote on Jul 17, 2007 2:51 PM:
" yeah, and while we are at it lets allow nursing assistants to do your heart surgery or the county clerk to represent you in court (better yet, how does judge sound)? Your anger at dentists is obvious, but I for one would like higher standards than what you describe in Third World (oops, "Developing") Countries. Wow, two years and I can do everything that a dentist can do (and do it better?). I guess they must just be slower to catch on than dental health aide therapists, right? You forgot to mention how much more compassionate the DHAT is also. Arrogant? Nah. "
LEAVE NO DENTIST BEHIND wrote on Jul 17, 2007 5:20 AM:
" Why do all dental health fixes seem to benefit dentists but not the taxpayers who funded their education.
Dentists, who make more money than physicians while working fewer days and fewer hours, need to spend some of their free-time giving back by treating low-income or non-insured Americans for free, on a sliding scale or for what Medicaid and state government insurance offers them.
Dentists are the deadbeats for using taxpayer dollars to get an education and for using our American system of elite licensing for their own benefit.
It's time to allow dental health aide therapists to do the job dentists are neglecting to do. DHATs work in developed countries and for decades as successfully and efficiently as dentists. Yet it only takes two years, and a lot less money to train them.
Fluoridation 101
http://www.orgsites.com/ny/nyscof "
Damn straight wrote on Jul 14, 2007 8:48 PM:
" C'mon Mikey! Just do what is right, fund the program and the hell with the special interests that fund your party's campaigns! "
Grampa wrote on Jul 14, 2007 4:38 PM:
" Do what the Republicans tell you to do - go back to school. All you lazy shiftless goodfornothing poor people go to school and improve yourseves. And don't pick some middle of the road occupation. Become Doctors and Lawyers! Some can even become Dentists and do your own tooth work. Everyone knows that each and every Doctor, Lawyer, and Dentist is rich beyond their wildest dreams. So put down the smokes and beer and hit the books! No more excuses because the answer has just been handed to you! "
Jamie wrote on Jul 14, 2007 3:58 PM:
" According the www.freemedicalcamps.com there are free Dental and Medical Clinics in LaCrosse, Cashton and Norwalk to name a few. have people tried there? I think everyone should get standard dental care because if you dont it leads to other health issues.
I dont think our resources should be used to cover illegal immigrants when American citizens cant get the help they need "
Dental care? wrote on Jul 14, 2007 1:09 PM:
" My wife went to the dentist a month ago and we have what is deemed very good insurance. I work for the state and our first 500.00 per person is free. My wife ask the dentist what she could get for 500.00 and he stated that she will warm his seat and get a checkup for 500.00. What an arrogant person. Thats the problem with dentistry. If you have 1000.00 pay then dentists will charge 1000.00 before any real work is done. Its rediculous. "
Huebsch-a-crite Rusty Cunningham wrote on Jul 14, 2007 7:22 AM:
" Rusty, c'mon now...who is in charge of the Assembly? It is the guy you have endorsed every year since 1994! This means that you endorse his position on the dental program. You can run from your endorsements, but you can't hide! Just come out and say that you do not support Huebsch and his policies...there's no need to be afraid of him! "
What about... wrote on Jul 14, 2007 4:29 AM:
" ...social responsibilty and community service for well-paid professionals? Dentists certainly income can afford to donate an afternoon or two a month to helping people. Why not require dentists to do it? That would even out the time load so as to not over-burden dentists and also act to reduce state assistance need simply by adding community service responsibility to the dental profession. "
Kindness? Compassion? Christian? wrote on Jul 13, 2007 11:57 PM:
" If there were more "Good Hearted Christians" we would not need government sanctioned programs at all. I am amazed at how angry and self righteous people are around here...if I were from out of town, and came upon the comments people write on this site, I would not want to move here. It is really sad that we view poverty as a lifestyle choice. Kindness goes much further than hatred. Preventative care has always been less expensive than urgent care. Aren't you the same people who tell me that I shouldn't judge others? If we take care of our neighbors, the government wouldn't have to! "
Dductibles? wrote on Jul 13, 2007 11:15 PM:
" I am on M.A and would love to pay a reasonable deductible, to get the work that needs to be done on my teeth. However if a dentist takes any money from me he is breaking the law. why cant it be more like employer insurance. I may be scraping by but I am not a leach. "
Scrooge wrote on Jul 13, 2007 10:16 PM:
" Krusty will marry me. We can get 'partner' benefits and all that hum-bug. "
bob wrote on Jul 13, 2007 4:39 PM:
" I read all of the comments below before sending this in (whew). I think this editorial by the Tribune staff is very refreshing and well reasoned. The pilot project should be given a chance. "
forget dental care for a scond... wrote on Jul 13, 2007 4:27 PM:
" the real important thing is who writes these iditic "polls" the Trib does? what should we call Bill Clinton if Hillary elected? first, it's pretty obvious who the Trib will endorse. and secondly, how about leaving a blank we can fill in what some would really think he should be called? "
college wrote on Jul 13, 2007 4:23 PM:
" looks like taking out a loan for college would of been a good idea huh??? college is an investment that everyone should try. im tired of people whining about low income jobs...take out a loan...or go to the military. this way you wont have any excuses! "
Krusty's Dental Care © wrote on Jul 13, 2007 4:12 PM:
" The pliers idea is great! I wouldn't mind yanking some teeth myself. How's this for a plan? If you're 18 or younger or disabled and unable to work, the Govt pays to fix your teeth. If you're over 18, able bodied, and looking for a hand-out, the Govt sends you to my office for your dental needs. I would charge only $10 a tooth if you brought your own pliers "
To:12:44pm wrote on Jul 13, 2007 4:10 PM:
" Helping children is very noble, and I think everyone who is able should do so. But, I don't believe it is the role of the Government to reach into my wallet and compel me to do so.
See 8:54 am post "
See all you selfish people wrote on Jul 13, 2007 2:39 PM:
" in Hell with me! the Devil "
I work hard everyday wrote on Jul 13, 2007 1:18 PM:
" yet I don't earn a lot of money and am receiving some benefits. Trust me, I would to prefer to just pay for everything myself but sometimes you need help when you are just barely getting by. I wish that all of the individuals that think that people that receive state assistance are lazy leeches, would have to try and live on a low income. Then let's see what they say. "
Have a heart wrote on Jul 13, 2007 12:44 PM:
" I can't believe all the selfish heartless comments. Are there lazy leeches who make a career of living off others? Yes and I don't have much sympathy for them. But are there people who work hard and yet can still barely pay all their regular monthly bills? Definitely. Would you prefer that they become so miserable with an infected tooth that they can't even go to work and then have to go on public assistance? Why don't YOU look the children in the eye and tell them they'll just have to suffer -- or maybe your solution is to just get out the pliers? Leeches make me angry; self-righteous know-it-alls make me even angrier. "
kamikazefaase wrote on Jul 13, 2007 12:43 PM:
" There is merit in what the "definitions..." poster is saying. And if we did this for the dental MA patients by having the needed procedures paid at 90% with no payment from patients and have the wanted stuff paid at between 40 to 70% with the patients paying the rest, the poor would have to make some financial decisions instead of bilking the taxpayers. The working poor should get the break closer to 70% so as to encourage work in spite the inablilty to get insurance. And to those yipping about paying taxes, your lack of compassion for the less fortunate overwhelms me. You will be remembered at Heaven's gate. Stop complaining and get employers to pay a living wage with benefits. "
re: Funny? wrote on Jul 13, 2007 11:54 AM:
" I don't know of any kids who decided to be poor. This policy is aimed at getting KIDS dental coverage. "
Funny? wrote on Jul 13, 2007 11:38 AM:
" You are the FIRST to complain about the shrinking middle class in this country. Don't push freebies for the poor because the middle class is tired of paying their own way and getting stuck with the bill for those that DECIDE to be poor. Soon, the middle class decides to drop out because they want the freebies too! Sharing the wealth is a good idea as long as you DON'T have anything! "
Re: What's up with this? wrote on Jul 13, 2007 11:10 AM:
" You already do live off the taxpayer!! Even with your job and insurance, you are using services that all taxpayers pay for and some pay a lot more in taxes than you. Unless you make an incredible amount of money, you are taking in more than you are paying out. "
To Krusty and Dan D wrote on Jul 13, 2007 10:37 AM:
" Rock on! Thanks for standing up for the hard working people! "
definitions and guidelines need to be set. wrote on Jul 13, 2007 9:44 AM:
" What is needed for dental work and what isn't. I go to the dentist only when I have a problem and the last ache was 3 years ago. Now, the Dentists want you in every 3 months for cleanings, but the reality is that all those visits are just padding the dentists wallets. Dentists also refuse to just pull problem teeth anymore. They want to have you have root canals and crowns and bridges and the works. All those things are nice if you can afford them, but they aren't necessary. Look at all the kids with braces now days and ask yourself if it is more then when you were a kid and why. The answer lies in our increased vanity, the willingness of insurances to pay for more coverage, and increase in dentists to come up with more expensive "needed" proceedures. "
Krusty wrote on Jul 13, 2007 9:40 AM:
" I am only comfortable with my tax dollars going towards children under 18 or the disabled's dental bills. The rest of the fleabag leaches can have their teeth rot in their heads for all I care. "
What's up with this? wrote on Jul 13, 2007 9:20 AM:
" I should just quit both my jobs. Then, I wouldn't have to pay for my own insurance, etc. I could just live off the taxpayers. I think that's what I'll do! "
To Chip--Input wrote on Jul 13, 2007 9:10 AM:
" They want the same kind of "input" for the corridor as schools want when they repeatedly offer up referendums. We say "no" nine times, but they win the tenth time. I wish I could bug my boss every single year until I got what I wanted. "
Seriously wrote on Jul 13, 2007 8:55 AM:
" I do not smoke or drink, not a good enough solution
I pay taxes, my family pays taxes, I work full time and have for 10 years at the same job, I pay for my food, my electricity, my house...I support my children, alone usually as child support is a luxury to receive after all
If my children are eligible for programs set up by the state to assist with dental care, medical care and I follow the guidelines...what's your problem?
I'd much rather pay my own way but I figure my kids deserve a home and to eat
Other viable suggestions Dan?
"
To:6:22am wrote on Jul 13, 2007 8:54 AM:
" You are referring to what Christians are called to do out of the ggodness of their hearts on a voluntary basis. It has nothing to do with Government sanctioned programs robbing people against their will to help others out. "
TO: Dan D wrote on Jul 13, 2007 8:46 AM:
" I don't know a lot of small children who smoke and drink beer. This program is to help children and special needs people as well. The problem, too, is by law anyone on MA cannot pay the difference out of pocket...its illegal. Its a flawed system. "
senate budget is a job killer wrote on Jul 13, 2007 8:33 AM:
" and would only assure that more people, not fewer, are poor to begin with. "
Re: Dan D wrote on Jul 13, 2007 8:15 AM:
" Tax money is spent for the greater good of society. My taxes pay for kids to go to school even though I do not have any kids. Sure, I could go post a message saying that your kids should pay for their own education, but then I'd look like a selfish as$hole. We all pay taxes for services we don't use. It is how the system works. "
Dan D wrote on Jul 13, 2007 7:14 AM:
" Want dental care ? Pay for it like I do or go without. Why should my tax dollar help you but not me ? Get off your duff , throw the beer and cigs away and go to work. "
Whatsoever you do wrote on Jul 13, 2007 6:22 AM:
" is obviously forgotten by some so-called Christian politicians. the devil can have 'em! and likely will.
"
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